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In the Media: West Baltimore CVS Reopens; Md HBUC's Rally in Annapolis

The CVS that was damaged during April's protests reopened this weekend.
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The CVS that was damaged during April's protests reopened this weekend.

A digest of Baltimore news from local sources.

From the Baltimore Sun: West Baltimore CVS, Destroyed in Riot, Reopens

"The looting and torching of the Penn-North CVS/Pharmacy last April inconvenienced some residents of the impoverished West Baltimore neighborhood much more than Christine Bailey. Many elderly patients, for example, were deprived of their medications.

"But Bailey, 55, who lives on North Fulton Avenue, spent the last summer and winter missing the 77-cent cans of tuna fish the store carried.

"So when the store reopened Sunday morning, with little fanfare aside from two big 'NOW OPEN' banners, Bailey dropped a can into her cart, along with soap, tea, mouthwash and a daily planner.

"Gray, 25, died last April after suffering a severe spinal cord injury in police custody. On the day he was buried, the city erupted in riots, looting and arson. The burning CVS at the intersection of Pennsylvania and North avenues became perhaps the most recognizable image of one of Baltimore's darkest days.

"In the months since, the building was knocked down and rebuilt. On Sunday, the company's bright red block letters beamed down from the outside walls of the corner drugstore. Shelves inside were packed with diapers, food, 'Frozen'-themed Easter baskets, magazines, curling irons, toothpaste, makeup, greeting cards and everything else."

Full Article

From the AFRO American: Annapolis Rally Demands Equality for Maryland HBCU’s

"A group consisting of alumni, faculty, students and other supporters of Maryland’s HBCUs gathered on March 2 in front of the capitol in Annapolis to pressure the state to address existing inequalities in the Maryland higher education system.

“This movement is about equity,” Robert A. Johnson, charter member of the Maryland HBCU faculty caucus and a faculty member of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), said at the rally.  “Maryland HBCU’s deserve to offer high quality academic programs and services just as those offered at traditional White Institutions such as University of Maryland College Park, Salisbury, Towson, and others.  We want equity.”

"Supporters are remaining hopeful for structural reform of the Maryland higher education policies, practices, and procedures that will result in:

"1. The elimination of programs at TWI’s which have duplicated non-core pre-existing HBCU programs; and,

"2. The creation of new high demand programs at the Maryland HBCU’s in order for each of such institutions to be able to maintain and distinguish their individual academic identity and competitiveness.

“'Right now we are out here creating awareness … because HBCU’s have been mistreated.  Its’ time we stand in solidarity against these types of systemic ongoing inequalities,' Elijah Vines from Bowie State University said."

Full Article

From the Baltimore Sun: Baltimore School System Considering Body Cameras for School Police

"Baltimore school officials are exploring whether to have school police officers outfitted with body cameras as other local police departments have in recent months.

"The school system had begun looking into giving officers body cameras even before an officer was caught on video Tuesday slapping and kicking a student, said Karl Perry, who oversees school police for the school system.

"The video was filmed at REACH Partnership School in East Baltimore after school police officers escorted the 16-year-old student out of the building because, officials have said, they did not recognize him as a student there.

"Speaking Saturday at a community forum on juvenile justice, Perry said significant issues remain if the school system were to pursue the use of body cameras. With the system confronting budget shortages, there is little extra money for such a program, he said.

"Perry said issues to consider, beyond the budget, include that some students are in witness protection programs and should not be taped. And parents can decide not to allow their children to be photographed at school. The school system's lawyers would have to review all of the issues, he said."

Full Article